Joe Marler reveals he hasn’t spoken to his parents 'for years'

Right now, the England prop is enjoying a fresh wave of popularity — thanks in part to his appearances on Celebrity Tratiors, The Wheel, and Celebrity Gogglebox — but those who’ve followed his career know he’s never been easy to define.

Equal parts elite athlete and unpredictable personality, Marler has carved out a reputation as one of rugby’s most compelling figures.

Born on July 7, 1990, in East Sussex, Marler is now 35 and firmly established as one of England’s most recognisable rugby players.

His journey began at grassroots level with The Eastbourne Sharks, where he started playing at just 11 years old. Progression through the ranks came quickly — Sussex age-grade rugby, followed by regional honours with London and the South East in 2006.

From there, the pathway led to Harlequins, where he built his professional career, and eventually to the England national rugby union team, earning international caps and becoming a mainstay in the front row.

While his rugby credentials are well established, Marler has found a new audience away from the pitch.

His role on Celebrity Gogglebox has only reinforced what fans already suspected — he’s naturally funny, quick-witted, and unfiltered in a way that feels increasingly rare. It’s that authenticity that has helped him connect with viewers who might not usually follow rugby.

Away from the spotlight, Marler’s life is centred around his family.

He married his wife Daisy in 2017, and the couple have four children together — Pixie, Maggie, Felix and Jasper. Despite the demands of professional sport and media commitments, he has often spoken about the importance of home life and staying grounded.

Marler has only briefly addressed his relationship with his parents in public.

Speaking to The Times in 2022, he said: “I haven’t spoken to my mum for seven years and my dad for four.”

When asked whether they were still alive, he added: “As far as I know.”

He did not expand further on the situation.

Marler’s appeal has never been about fitting the mould.

In a sport often defined by controlled messaging, he stands out for saying what he thinks — whether that’s through humour, honesty, or occasional controversy. That willingness to be himself, rather than a version of what a professional athlete “should” be, has made him both relatable and widely liked.